Unknown projectile hits vessel in Strait of Hormuz, injuring crew member

At least one crew member was injured after a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said Tuesday.

UKMTO said it received a report of the incident involving a vessel travelling outbound through the strategic waterway. The projectile caused damage to the ship’s engine room, according to maritime security reports. The remaining crew members were assisted by the Omani Coast Guard.

UKMTO did not identify the vessel or immediately provide details about the type of projectile involved. The circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Is one of the world’s most important shipping routes and a key transit point for global energy supplies.

The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region and a series of attacks and security incidents involving commercial vessels in and around the waterway. Several ships have been struck by missiles or unidentified projectiles since the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States escalated earlier this year.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Tuesday’s reported strike.

The incident could not immediately be independently verified.